Jon Niese - Heads or Tails?

e•nig•ma [uh-nig-muh] - a person of puzzling or contradictory character

Is there a more enigmatic player on the Mets team in 2011 then Jonathan Niese? Jon Niese is as gifted of a pitcher as the Mets have on their roster, yet it has been an absolute struggle to get consistent productivity out of him. There are certain players on this year Mets team that are limited on talent and I find it easy to understand when they do not perform. While I am screaming at the television everytime Scott Hairston strikes out in a pinch hitting situation, in the back of my mind I am reminding myself that he is a career .248 hitter and not getting any better. When I watch Mr. Niese throw, I see a guy who has all of the talent in the world, very Andy Pettite like, but has not found a way to hone it.

Injuries have certainly played a part in his lack of success, but even when healthy, Niese has been consistently inconsistent. So far, 2011 has been no different from years past. In his first start against the Marlins, Niese was magnificent, throwing 7 strong innings and getting the win. Only 5 days later in his next start against the Phillies, Niese only managed 4 innings of work while giving up 6 runs en route to a 11-0 loss. Even in that loss he was an enigma because he was able to produce 7 strikeouts, indicating that his “stuff” was good.

If Niese can find a way to pair his incredible talent with all of the intangibles and mental attributes it takes to become a great pitcher, the Mets might have something special on their hands. Until that point, it will be a flip of a coin every time he takes the mound.